Our research program is highly interdisciplinary, encompassing chemistry, biology and medicine. Our current efforts are directed toward understanding the chemistry and biology of protein deubiquitylation and eukaryotic translesion synthesis. We focus on the structure, reactivity and dynamics of the involved proteins and nucleic acids in the context of DNA damage tolerance. Besides investigating the mechanism of enzymatic actions, we are particularly interested in their regulation through post-translational protein modification by ubiquitin and small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO). We are currently investigating several proteins and protein complexes implicated in DNA damage tolerance, including the  deubiquitylating enzyme complex, translesion synthesis polymerase. We address these questions at the molecular level by employing a broad spectrum of biochemical, biophysical and molecular biological techniques. The details of the individual research projects can be found in the Research section. Please contact Dr. Zhihao Zhuang at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (302) 831-8940 if you have any questions regarding our research program.